College of Education

Whether you’re looking to start teaching for grades K-12, or are seeking to hone your teaching skills and advance your career, University of the Southwest offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, licensure and continuing education programs to prepare you for a successful career in education.

Offering small class sizes, personalized attention and state-approved curriculum, University of the Southwest is preparing the next generation of educators. You will learn from and engage with accomplished faculty who will mentor and motivate you as you learn the art of teaching.

Undergraduate Programs Leading to
New Mexico Teacher Licensure

BS in Education - Early Childhood Education (B-3)

If you have an interest in working with very young children, ages birth to three, then early childhood could be the field for you. The 120 credit hour bachelor's degree emphasizes teaching strategies for the young child. Early childhood educators receive training in child development through coursework that emphasizes the adult's role in the biological-physical, social, cultural, emotional, cognitive, and language domains. In addition, the early childhood educator possess knowledge of factors that can influence learning and development, such as environmental and nutritional.

In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in early childhood include 1) six hours of reading instruction, including the teaching of reading, 2) supervised field experience, and 3) successful completion of required state assessments (see advisor for detailed information).

BS in Education - Elementary Education (K-8)

The elementary education level prepares educators to meet the educational needs of students in grades kindergarten through 8. The teacher education program prepares students to become proactive classroom managers, reflective practitioners, and culturally responsive educators through coursework and field experiences. Coursework will also equip students with tools to evaluate curriculum and provide meaningful feedback to students through assessments.

The program consists of 120 credit hours of coursework. In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in elementary education include 1) six hours of reading instruction, including the teaching of reading, 2) supervised field experience, 3) 24 credit hours in one teaching field, such as mathematics, science, language arts, reading, history, etc., and 4) successful completion of required state assessments (see advisor for detailed information).

BS in Education - Secondary Education (7-12)

Secondary education focuses on teaching students in grades 7-12. The educator at this level must possess a specialization in an academic content area, such as mathematics, science, history, reading, etc. The educator must also have the ability to manage a classroom for optimal learning, identify factors that could negatively impact learning, such as environmental or social factors, and meet the individual needs of students with disabilities. The 120 credit hour, secondary education program at USW is designed to meet those needs.

In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in secondary education include 1) three hours of reading instruction, 2) supervised field experience, 3) 24 credit hours in one teaching field, such as mathematics, science, language arts, reading, history, etc., and 4) successful completion of required state assessments (see advisor for detailed information).

BS in Education - Special Education (K-12)

Special education remains a high-need area in New Mexico public schools. USW recognizes this need and offers a bachelor's degree focusing on the delivery of special education services for grades kindergarten through 12. Students enrolled in the special education licensure program will gain knowledge related to disabilities, special education law, and modification of curriculum to meet the individual needs of the student.

In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in special education include 1) six hours of reading instruction, including the teaching of reading, 2) supervised field experience, 3) 24 credit hours in one teaching field, such as mathematics, science, language arts, reading, history, etc., and 4) successful completion of required state assessments (see advisor for detailed information).

Bachelor of Science: Kinesiology (non-licensure)

The Kinesiology is a non-licensure bachelor's degree consisting of 120 credit hours with an 18 credit hour minor. After students complete their core requirements, course such as Health and Aging, Kinesiology & Biomechanics, and Health Promotion in the Workplace are taken. Courses such as these prepare the student for a future in the health industry or as preparation to enter programs leading to physical or occupational therapy. At the completion of the program, students will confidently enter professions such as community and public health services, personal fitness trainers, health club directors, and many more.

Graduate Programs

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION/Education Specialist

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION/Educational Administration

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION/Educational Diagnostics

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION/Exercise Science

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION/Mental Health Counseling

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION/School Counseling

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION/Special Education

The College of Education at University of the Southwest operates under the auspices of the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) that uses the standards developed by the National Collegiate Association of Teaching Educators (NCATE) to evaluate education programs.